Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for an explosion proof recording system for recording an underground mining environment and other hazardous, low or restricted visibility environments.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A hazardous environment video recording system comprising: at least one cameras for capturing images of the environment and for transmitting the images as video signals over at least one communication medium; at least one digital video encoder operably connected to the at least one camera via the at least one communication medium for receiving video signals from the camera; at least one monitor operably connected to the at least one camera via the at least one communication medium for displaying the captured images; at least one processor operably connected through at least one network switch and the at least one communication medium to the one or more digital video encoders; at least one network time server operably connected through the at least one communication medium to the at least one processor; a hub operably connected to the at least one processor, to at least one wireless access point for providing wireless access, and to at least one media storage device for storing the captured images in the video signal for later retrieval.
A video recording system for hazardous environments captures images using cameras and transmits them as video signals. Digital video encoders receive these signals. Monitors display the captured images. A processor, connected through a network switch, manages the digital video encoders. A network time server provides time synchronization. A hub connects the processor to a wireless access point for wireless connectivity and to a media storage device for storing video. This enables recording and later retrieval of video from hazardous locations.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the hazardous environment is an underground mining environment.
The video recording system, as described in the previous claim where a video recording system for hazardous environments captures images using cameras and transmits them as video signals, digital video encoders receive these signals, monitors display the captured images, a processor, connected through a network switch, manages the digital video encoders, a network time server provides time synchronization, and a hub connects the processor to a wireless access point and a media storage device, is specifically designed for use in underground mining environments.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the hazardous environment is one of a Class 1 Div 1 environment, Class 1 Div 2 environment, Class 2 Div 1 environment, Class 2 Div 2 environment, Class 3 Div 1 environment and Class 3 Div 2 environment.
The video recording system, as described in the previous claim where a video recording system for hazardous environments captures images using cameras and transmits them as video signals, digital video encoders receive these signals, monitors display the captured images, a processor, connected through a network switch, manages the digital video encoders, a network time server provides time synchronization, and a hub connects the processor to a wireless access point and a media storage device, is suitable for use in hazardous environments classified as Class 1 Div 1, Class 1 Div 2, Class 2 Div 1, Class 2 Div 2, Class 3 Div 1, or Class 3 Div 2. These classifications define environments with specific types of flammable or explosive materials.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the system is located on at least one of mobile equipment, fixed equipment, and personnel.
This invention relates to a system for monitoring and managing environmental conditions, particularly in industrial or hazardous settings. The system detects and analyzes environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, gas concentrations, or radiation levels to ensure safety and compliance. The system includes sensors for data collection, a processing unit for real-time analysis, and an alert mechanism to notify users of hazardous conditions. The system can be deployed on mobile equipment, fixed installations, or worn by personnel, allowing for flexible monitoring in various environments. The sensors are designed to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring reliable operation in extreme temperatures, high humidity, or corrosive atmospheres. The processing unit applies predefined thresholds to trigger alerts, which can be transmitted via wireless communication to a central monitoring station or directly to personnel. The system may also log historical data for trend analysis and regulatory reporting. By integrating with existing safety protocols, the system enhances workplace safety and operational efficiency. The invention addresses the need for real-time environmental monitoring in dynamic or high-risk environments, reducing the risk of accidents and improving response times to hazardous conditions.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the camera is enclosed in a first explosion proof enclosure; the digital video encoder, network switch, processor board, network time server, hub, wireless access point, and media storage are enclosed in a second explosion proof housing; and the monitor is enclosed in a third explosion proof housing; and wherein the first, second, and third explosion proof housings are MSHA-approved explosion proof enclosures.
The video recording system, as described in the previous claim where a video recording system for hazardous environments captures images using cameras and transmits them as video signals, digital video encoders receive these signals, monitors display the captured images, a processor, connected through a network switch, manages the digital video encoders, a network time server provides time synchronization, and a hub connects the processor to a wireless access point and a media storage device, is designed with explosion-proof enclosures. The camera is housed in one enclosure, the digital video encoder, network switch, processor board, network time server, hub, wireless access point, and media storage are in a second enclosure, and the monitor is in a third. These enclosures are MSHA-approved for explosion-proof protection.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one digital video encoder has internal storage for storing the video signal.
The video recording system, as described in the previous claim where a video recording system for hazardous environments captures images using cameras and transmits them as video signals, digital video encoders receive these signals, monitors display the captured images, a processor, connected through a network switch, manages the digital video encoders, a network time server provides time synchronization, and a hub connects the processor to a wireless access point and a media storage device, includes digital video encoders that have built-in internal storage for storing video signals directly on the encoder.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the internal storage comprises at least one removable media storage device.
The video recording system, as described in the previous claim where a video recording system for hazardous environments captures images using cameras and transmits them as video signals, digital video encoders receive these signals and have built-in internal storage for storing video signals directly on the encoder, monitors display the captured images, a processor, connected through a network switch, manages the digital video encoders, a network time server provides time synchronization, and a hub connects the processor to a wireless access point and a media storage device, uses removable media storage devices as the internal storage within the digital video encoders. This allows for easy swapping and management of the stored video data.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one communication medium is at least one of wired, wireless, a combination thereof, component driven or environment driven.
The video recording system, as described in the previous claim where a video recording system for hazardous environments captures images using cameras and transmits them as video signals, digital video encoders receive these signals, monitors display the captured images, a processor, connected through a network switch, manages the digital video encoders, a network time server provides time synchronization, and a hub connects the processor to a wireless access point and a media storage device, utilizes a communication medium that can be wired, wireless, a combination of both, or driven by component requirements or environmental conditions. This allows flexibility in how the system components communicate with each other.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the processor oversee processes necessary to at least one of view, manage, and store time stamped videos originating with the at least one camera.
The video recording system, as described in the previous claim where a video recording system for hazardous environments captures images using cameras and transmits them as video signals, digital video encoders receive these signals, monitors display the captured images, a processor, connected through a network switch, manages the digital video encoders, a network time server provides time synchronization, and a hub connects the processor to a wireless access point and a media storage device, uses a processor that manages the viewing, managing, and storing of time-stamped videos originating from the camera(s).
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the at least one processor time stamps and saves video files in segments based on time to the at least one media storage device; monitors the at least one media storage device and purges files when storage capacity reaches a particular threshold; operates a web server for user interface; runs file share service to allow users to manage and view stored files; manages wireless access point software; and interfaces a system hardware real time clock of the network time server.
The video recording system, as described in the previous claim where a video recording system for hazardous environments captures images using cameras and transmits them as video signals, digital video encoders receive these signals, monitors display the captured images, a processor oversees processes necessary to at least one of view, manage, and store time stamped videos originating with the at least one camera, a network time server provides time synchronization, and a hub connects the processor to a wireless access point and a media storage device, works by the processor time-stamping and saving video files in segments based on time to the media storage device. It monitors the storage device and deletes old files when capacity is reached. It also operates a web server for user interface, runs a file share service, manages wireless access point software, and interfaces with the network time server's real-time clock.
11. A method for capturing and storing video files in a hazardous environment comprising: capturing an analog video signal from one or more cameras; transmitting the captured analog video signal to one or more digital video encoders; transmitting the analog video signal from the one or more digital video encoders to one or more monitors for viewing; changing the analog video signal to a digital file format at the one or more digital video encoders changing the analog video signal to a digital video signal at the one or more digital video encoders; transmitting the digital video signal to an Ethernet network switch; receiving the digital video signal at the Ethernet network switch; transmitting the digital video signal from the Ethernet network switch to a processor board; receiving the digital video signal at the processor board; converting the digital video signal to a digital video file; transmitting the digital video file to a Universal Serial Bus hub; receiving the digital video file at the Universal Serial Bus hub; transmitting the digital video file from the Universal Serial Bus hub to a media storage device; storing the digital video file in the media storage device; transmitting a time/date stamp from a network time server to the one or more cameras; operatively connecting the Universal Serial Bus hub to a wireless access point to transmit to and receive communication signals from wireless devices; wherein the hazardous environment is one of a Class 1 Div 1 environment, Class 1 Div 2 environment, Class 2 Div 1 environment, Class 2 Div 2 environment, Class 3 Div 1 environment, Class 3 Div 2 environment, and an underground mining environment.
A method for capturing and storing video in hazardous environments involves capturing analog video from cameras, transmitting it to digital video encoders, and sending it to monitors for viewing. The encoders convert the analog signal to digital video files and signals, which are sent through an Ethernet network switch to a processor board. The processor converts the signal to a digital video file and transmits it to a USB hub, which then sends it to a media storage device for storage. A network time server sends timestamps to the cameras. The USB hub connects to a wireless access point for wireless communication. The hazardous environments include Class 1 Div 1, Class 1 Div 2, Class 2 Div 1, Class 2 Div 2, Class 3 Div 1, Class 3 Div 2, and underground mining environments.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising saving the digital video signal generated by the digital video encoder to a further media storage device for redundancy.
The method for capturing and storing video files in a hazardous environment, as described in the previous claim where a method for capturing and storing video in hazardous environments involves capturing analog video from cameras, transmitting it to digital video encoders, and sending it to monitors for viewing, the encoders convert the analog signal to digital video files and signals, which are sent through an Ethernet network switch to a processor board, the processor converts the signal to a digital video file and transmits it to a USB hub, which then sends it to a media storage device for storage, a network time server sends timestamps to the cameras, and the USB hub connects to a wireless access point for wireless communication, also saves the digital video signal generated by the digital video encoder to a further media storage device for redundancy.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising checking the used media storage space for a maximum fill of greater than or equal to predetermined percent fill and deleting the oldest predetermined segment of video files stored on the media storage device if the fill is greater than or equal to predetermined percent fill, wherein the checking is performed by the processor board.
The method for capturing and storing video files in a hazardous environment, as described in the previous claim where a method for capturing and storing video in hazardous environments involves capturing analog video from cameras, transmitting it to digital video encoders, and sending it to monitors for viewing, the encoders convert the analog signal to digital video files and signals, which are sent through an Ethernet network switch to a processor board, the processor converts the signal to a digital video file and transmits it to a USB hub, which then sends it to a media storage device for storage, a network time server sends timestamps to the cameras, and the USB hub connects to a wireless access point for wireless communication, further includes checking the media storage space and deleting the oldest video segment if the storage exceeds a predetermined fill percentage. The processor board handles this storage management.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the transmitting of a time/date stamp synchronizes the digital video encoders with the Network Time Server on a predetermined interval.
In the method for capturing and storing video files in a hazardous environment, as described in the previous claim where a method for capturing and storing video in hazardous environments involves capturing analog video from cameras, transmitting it to digital video encoders, and sending it to monitors for viewing, the encoders convert the analog signal to digital video files and signals, which are sent through an Ethernet network switch to a processor board, the processor converts the signal to a digital video file and transmits it to a USB hub, which then sends it to a media storage device for storage, and the USB hub connects to a wireless access point for wireless communication, the transmission of the timestamp from the network time server synchronizes the digital video encoders with the network time server at a predetermined interval.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the operatively connecting to the wireless access point provides wireless access to the processor board, the media storage devices and the one or more digital video encoders.
In the method for capturing and storing video files in a hazardous environment, as described in the previous claim where a method for capturing and storing video in hazardous environments involves capturing analog video from cameras, transmitting it to digital video encoders, and sending it to monitors for viewing, the encoders convert the analog signal to digital video files and signals, which are sent through an Ethernet network switch to a processor board, the processor converts the signal to a digital video file and transmits it to a USB hub, which then sends it to a media storage device for storage, a network time server sends timestamps to the cameras, the transmission of the timestamp from the network time server synchronizes the digital video encoders with the network time server at a predetermined interval, the operatively connecting to the wireless access point provides wireless access to the processor board, the media storage devices and the one or more digital video encoders.
16. The method of claim 11 further comprising running a file share service for viewing and retrieval of stored video files by the processor board and running web server software to view live and stored video by the processor board.
The method for capturing and storing video files in a hazardous environment, as described in the previous claim where a method for capturing and storing video in hazardous environments involves capturing analog video from cameras, transmitting it to digital video encoders, and sending it to monitors for viewing, the encoders convert the analog signal to digital video files and signals, which are sent through an Ethernet network switch to a processor board, the processor converts the signal to a digital video file and transmits it to a USB hub, which then sends it to a media storage device for storage, a network time server sends timestamps to the cameras, and the USB hub connects to a wireless access point for wireless communication, includes running a file share service for viewing and retrieving stored video files, and running web server software to view live and stored video, both managed by the processor board.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein storing the video data comprises opening a new file on the media storage with current time stamp as a file name, reading the video signal from the one or more digital video encoders into the opened file; creating another file with current time stamp as name after a predetermined time; closing the first file after predetermined time; saving the closed file to the media storage continuously repeating this process; and running a web page interface to view and transfer video files by the one or more digital video encoders.
In the method for capturing and storing video files in a hazardous environment, as described in the previous claim where a method for capturing and storing video in hazardous environments involves capturing analog video from cameras, transmitting it to digital video encoders, and sending it to monitors for viewing, the encoders convert the analog signal to digital video files and signals, which are sent through an Ethernet network switch to a processor board, the processor converts the signal to a digital video file and transmits it to a USB hub, which then sends it to a media storage device for storage, a network time server sends timestamps to the cameras, and the USB hub connects to a wireless access point for wireless communication, storing video data comprises: opening a new file on the media storage with current time stamp as a file name, reading the video signal from the one or more digital video encoders into the opened file, creating another file with current time stamp as name after a predetermined time, closing the first file after predetermined time, saving the closed file to the media storage continuously repeating this process and running a web page interface to view and transfer video files by the one or more digital video encoders.
18. An explosion proof underground mining digital video recorder system comprising: one or more cameras connected to one or more digital video encoders; one or more monitors connected to the one or more digital video encoders; one or more Ethernet network switches connected to the one or more digital video encoders; one or more processor boards connected to the one or more Ethernet switches; the one or more processor boards connected to a network time server; the one or more processor boards connected to a Universal Serial Bus hub; the Universal Serial Bus hub further connected to a wireless access point; and the Universal Serial Bus hub further connected to a media storage device.
An explosion-proof video recording system for underground mining environments includes cameras connected to digital video encoders. Monitors are connected to the encoders. Ethernet network switches connect to the encoders. Processor boards connect to the switches. The processor boards connect to a network time server, and to a USB hub. The USB hub connects to a wireless access point and a media storage device.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the digital video encoder, Ethernet switch, processor board, Network Time Server, Universal Serial Bus hub, wireless access point, camera, monitor, and media storage are enclosed in one or more explosion proof enclosures.
The explosion proof underground mining digital video recorder system as described in the previous claim where an explosion-proof video recording system for underground mining environments includes cameras connected to digital video encoders, monitors connected to the encoders, Ethernet network switches connected to the encoders, processor boards connected to the switches, the processor boards connected to a network time server, the processor boards connected to a USB hub, and the USB hub connected to a wireless access point and a media storage device, utilizes digital video encoder, Ethernet switch, processor board, Network Time Server, Universal Serial Bus hub, wireless access point, camera, monitor, and media storage that are enclosed in one or more explosion proof enclosures.
20. The system of claim 18 wherein the digital video encoder is capable of supporting redundant storage via a removable media storage device.
The explosion proof underground mining digital video recorder system as described in the previous claim where an explosion-proof video recording system for underground mining environments includes cameras connected to digital video encoders, monitors connected to the encoders, Ethernet network switches connected to the encoders, processor boards connected to the switches, the processor boards connected to a network time server, the processor boards connected to a USB hub, the USB hub connected to a wireless access point and a media storage device and the digital video encoder, Ethernet switch, processor board, Network Time Server, Universal Serial Bus hub, wireless access point, camera, monitor, and media storage are enclosed in one or more explosion proof enclosures, the digital video encoder is capable of supporting redundant storage via a removable media storage device.
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May 18, 2015
April 18, 2017
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